Album Information:
Album ID: 9426
About R.E.M.:
R.E.M. was an American rock band formed in Athens, Georgia, in 1980 by lead singer Michael Stipe, guitarist Peter Buck, bassist Mike Mills, and drummer Bill Berry. They were one of the most influential and critically acclaimed bands of the 1980s and 1990s, often associated with the alternative rock genre.
In their early years, R.E.M. was known for their jangly guitar sound and Stipe's enigmatic lyrics, which often defied interpretation. Their breakthrough came in 1987 with the release of their fifth album, 'Document', which included the hit single 'The One I Love'. This success was followed by the 1988 album 'Green', which featured the hit single 'Stand'.
Throughout the 1990s, R.E.M. released a series of critically acclaimed albums, including 'Out of Time' (1991), which included the hit singles 'Losing My Religion' and 'Shiny Happy People', and 'Automatic for the People' (1992), which featured the hit songs 'Drive' and 'Everybody Hurts'. Their 1994 album 'Monster' was a departure from their previous sound, featuring a more rock-oriented sound and more straightforward lyrics.
In 1997, Berry left the band after a brain aneurysm, and R.E.M. continued as a trio. They continued to release albums throughout the 2000s, including 'Up' (1998), 'Reveal' (2001), and 'Accelerate' (2008), but their commercial success declined.
In 2011, R.E.M. announced that they were disbanding after 31 years together, citing their desire to end on a high note. Over the course of their career, they sold over 85 million records worldwide and received numerous awards and accolades, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007.
Along with their musical achievements, R.E.M. was also known for their activism and advocacy on various social and political issues. They supported numerous charities, including Greenpeace and the Southern Poverty Law Center, and campaigned for various causes such as environmentalism, LGBT+ rights, and nuclear disarmament.
About the album Out Of Time:
Out of Time is the seventh studio album by American rock band R.E.M., released in 1991. The album was their first release on Warner Bros. Records, following a six-album stint with I.R.S. Records.
The album was a departure for R.E.M., as it marked a shift towards lush orchestration and more experimental sounds. It featured several hit singles, including 'Losing My Religion,' which became one of the band's biggest hits and won multiple Grammy Awards.
The album also featured collaborations with a variety of artists, including Kate Pierson of The B-52's on the track 'Shiny Happy People' and rapper KRS-One on 'Radio Song.' The album's diversity of sound and range of guest vocalists helped to further establish R.E.M. as a major force in alternative rock.
Other notable tracks on the album include 'Near Wild Heaven,' a song that features a bright, upbeat melody with a harmonica solo, and 'Endgame,' a slower, more melancholic track that depicts the end of a relationship.
Out of Time marked a major turning point in R.E.M.'s career, helping to launch them into the mainstream and solidify their place as one of the most influential bands of the 1990s. Its unique and experimental sound proved to be a major influence on alternative and indie rock for years to come, helping to define the genre and inspire countless musicians.
Members:
R.E.M. was a rock band that originated in Athens, Georgia in the early 1980s. The band consisted of four key members:
1. Michael Stipe (Lead Vocalist) - Born in Decatur, Georgia on January 4, 1960, Michael Stipe was the lead vocalist of R.E.M. His father was in the military, so he grew up moving around frequently. In high school, he met Peter Buck and they later formed R.E.M. Stipe is known for his distinctive, emotional singing style and cryptic lyrics.
2. Peter Buck (Lead Guitarist) - Born on December 6, 1956 in Berkeley, California, Peter Buck was the lead guitarist of R.E.M. He grew up in Atlanta, Georgia and attended the University of Georgia. In 1980, he met Michael Stipe and they formed R.E.M. Buck was known for his jangly guitar sound and influence on the band's musical style.
3. Mike Mills (Bassist/Keyboardist) - Born on December 17, 1958 in Orange County, California, Mike Mills was the bassist and keyboardist for R.E.M. He met Peter Buck while attending the University of Georgia and they later formed R.E.M. Mills was known for his melodic bass lines and harmonies.
4. Bill Berry (Drummer) - Born on July 31, 1958 in Duluth, Minnesota, Bill Berry was the drummer for R.E.M. He met the other band members while attending the University of Georgia and they formed R.E.M. together in 1980. Berry was known for his solid, straightforward drumming style.
Together, these four key members of R.E.M. created a unique sound that blended elements of rock, folk, and alternative music. They released numerous albums throughout their career and became one of the most influential bands of the 1980s and 1990s.
Track List for Out Of Time:
Sure, here are the tracks in order with their playtimes and descriptions:
1. 'Radio Song' (4:12) - The album opens with a collaboration with rapper KRS-One, featuring a catchy chorus and upbeat guitar riffs.
2. 'Losing My Religion' (4:26) - The most recognizable and commercially successful track from the album, this melancholy ballad showcases lead singer Michael Stipe's unique vocals and poignant lyrics.
3. 'Low' (4:55) - Another slower track with a somber tone, 'Low' speaks to themes of loneliness and uncertainty.
4. 'Near Wild Heaven' (3:17) - A more upbeat and optimistic tune, 'Near Wild Heaven' features harmonious vocals and a jangling guitar riff.
5. 'Endgame' (3:48) - A darker track, 'Endgame' features Stipe's haunting voice over a minimalist arrangement.
6. 'Shiny Happy People' (3:45) - A playful and somewhat tongue-in-cheek track, 'Shiny Happy People' features guest vocals from Kate Pierson of the B-52s and a catchy chorus that has become a bit of a pop culture icon.
7. 'Belong' (4:06) - A slower, more introspective track that speaks to the search for connection and belonging.
8. 'Half a World Away' (3:28) - Another ballad, 'Half a World Away' speaks to themes of distance and isolation, with the repeated refrain of 'I'm not afraid to close my eyes.'
9. 'Texarkana' (3:36) - A more fast-paced track with a country flavor, 'Texarkana' speaks to themes of escape and longing.
10. 'Country Feedback' (4:06) - A slow-burning track that builds to an emotional climax, 'Country Feedback' features Stipe's vocals over a spare arrangement of guitar and drums.
11. 'Me in Honey' (4:06) - The album closes with a collaboration with Pierson once again, and a funky, upbeat groove that leaves the listener feeling uplifted and satisfied.
Discography for R.E.M.:
Here is the complete discography for R.E.M. in chronological order including all studio albums, live albums, compilation albums, singles, and other releases with their respective release dates:
1. Murmur – 1983 (Studio Album)
2. Reckoning – 1984 (Studio Album)
3. Fables of the Reconstruction – 1985 (Studio Album)
4. Lifes Rich Pageant – 1986 (Studio Album)
5. Dead Letter Office – 1987 (Compilation Album)
6. Document – 1987 (Studio Album)
7. Eponymous – 1988 (Compilation Album)
8. Green – 1989 (Studio Album)
9. Out of Time – 1991 (Studio Album)
10. Automatic for the People – 1992 (Studio Album)
11. Monster – 1994 (Studio Album)
12. New Adventures in Hi-Fi – 1996 (Studio Album)
13. Up – 1998 (Studio Album)
14. Reveal – 2001 (Studio Album)
15. In Time: The Best of R.E.M. 1988–2003 – 2003 (Compilation Album)
16. Around the Sun – 2004 (Studio Album)
17. And I Feel Fine... The Best of the I.R.S. Years 1982–1987 – 2006 (Compilation Album)
18. Live at The Olympia – 2009 (Live Album)
19. Collapse into Now – 2011 (Studio Album)
20. Part Lies, Part Heart, Part Truth, Part Garbage: 1982-2011 – 2011 (Compilation Album)
Singles:
1. “Radio Free Europe” – 1981
2. “So. Central Rain” – 1984
3. “Driver 8” – 1985
4. “Fall on Me” – 1986
5. “The One I Love” – 1987
6. “It’s the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)” – 1987
7. “Stand” – 1988
8. “Orange Crush” – 1988
9. “Pop Song 89” – 1989
10. “Get Up” – 1989
11. “Losing My Religion” – 1991
12. “Shiny Happy People” – 1991
13. “Radio Song” – 1991
14. “Drive” – 1992
15. “Man on the Moon” – 1992
16. “Everybody Hurts” – 1993
17. “Nightswimming” – 1993
18. “What’s the Frequency, Kenneth?” – 1994
19. “Bang and Blame” – 1994
20. “Strange Currencies” – 1995
21. “E-Bow the Letter” – 1996
22. “Bittersweet Me” – 1996
23. “Electrolite” – 1997
24. “Daysleeper” – 1998
25. “Lotus” – 1999
26. “The Great Beyond” – 1999
27. “All the Way to Reno (You’re Gonna Be a Star)” – 2001
28. “Imitation of Life” – 2001
29. “Bad Day” – 2003
30. “Leaving New York” – 2004
31. “Aftermath” – 2004
32. “Living Well Is the Best Revenge” – 2008
33. “Supernatural Superserious” – 2008
Other releases:
1. Chronic Town – 1982 (EP)
2. Not Bad for No Tour – Live – 1983 (EP)
3. The Athens Demos – 1985 (EP)
4. Singles Collected – 1994 (Compilation)
5. R.E.M. in the Attic: Alternative Recordings 1985–1989 – 1997 (Compilation)
6. In View: The Best of R.E.M. 1988–2003 – 2004 (DVD Set)